Latest Posts

Why Your Brain Sabotages Your Investment Plan (No Matter What the Market Does)

by Stacy Brasher on Aug 12, 2025

Investments, Finance, Savings, Risk Management

The Dow crosses 45,000. Your brain whispers: "This has to be the top."

The market drops 15%. Your brain screams: "Get out before it gets worse!"

Different scenarios. Same result: your brain hijacking your long-term investment strategy.

If you've ever felt paralyzed by market highs or panicked during market lows, you're not an outlier.

You're human.

The brain’s wiring is great for responding to immediate danger, like avoiding a snake. But that same instinct can misfire when applied to complex, long-term systems like financial markets.

Why Patience Beats Perfection: The Long-Term Investor's Guide to Market Timing

by Stacy Brasher on Jul 10, 2025

Finance, Investments

Over the course of your investing life, you’ll encounter market lows and highs. Headlines often spotlight the extremes, especially when markets reach record levels. Take, for example: “Stocks Hit Record Highs. What’s Behind the Rally.”1

All-time highs have an interesting effect on investor behavior and psychology.

Financial Spring Cleaning: 8 Ways To Refresh Your Finances

by Stacy Brasher on May 20, 2025

Retirement, Investments, Savings

As spring arrives and the weather warms up, many people turn their attention to cleaning out closets and organizing their homes. According to a recent survey, about 80% of Americans have spring cleaning on their radar this year.1 While most focus on the physical space, spring is also a great time to get your financial house in order.

Refreshing your financial habits can reduce stress, provide structure, and uncover new opportunities to save money and time. It's a smart way to prepare for the busy summer months and beyond.

5 Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund in 2025

by Stacy Brasher on Apr 17, 2025

Investments, Finance, Tax Planning

Tax season might not spark joy, but a refund sure can.

In 2025, the IRS estimates the average federal income tax refund will top $3,170.1 That means a lot of folks are suddenly asking the same question: What should I do with it?

Splurge? Save? Invest?

The good news: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are a few options that tend to deliver more peace of mind and long-term upside.

Here are five smart ways to use your tax refund in 2025, plus practical tips to help you make your money work harder (and smarter).

5 Critical Questions HNWIs Should Ask to Address Major Financial Concerns

by Stacy Brasher on Apr 2, 2025

Investments, Retirement, Tax Planning

What do you do when faced with a complex financial challenge?

Do you seek an immediate solution, or do you take the time to fully understand the issue before acting?

The way you approach financial decisions often depends on your perception of time - specifically, how much time you believe you have to respond.1

5 Tax-Saving Strategies to Keep More of Your Money

by Stacy Brasher on Mar 20, 2025

Tax Planning, Retirement

Tax season doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. With the right strategies, you can minimize your tax bill and keep more of your hard-earned money where it belongs, in your pocket.

Whether you’re a DIY tax filer or rely on a pro, understanding these key moves can help you make smarter financial decisions and sidestep costly mistakes. Let’s dive in.

How to Dive into Business Succession Planning: 10 Key Questions

by Stacy Brasher on Mar 5, 2025

Investments, Finance, Tax Planning

What will happen to your business when it’s time for you to take a step back?

That can be a tough question that many business owners eventually have to face.

Yet, far too many admit they don't have a formal succession plan in place. In fact, looking at family businesses alone, about 61% say they do not have a documented succession plan.1

Why?

Many business owners say they haven’t put together a succession plan because:

7 Effective Tax Optimization Strategies for High-Net-Worth Individuals

by Stacy Brasher on Jan 21, 2025

Tax Planning, Investments, Retirement, Estate Planning, Real Estate

What does it take to minimize your tax bill, not just this year but in the years to come?

The answer varies for each individual. Tax optimization strategies depend heavily on personal assets and financial goals, which are unique to everyone.

However, nearly all high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) share one common objective: reducing their tax obligations to the absolute minimum allowed by law. Achieving this often involves leveraging specific strategies and tools that can work together to optimize personal income, property, and estate taxes.